The Angels

We cannot hear or read a Christmas story without the mention of angels. They are all over the place!

Angel Gabriel appearing to Zechariah to inform the birth of John the Baptist (Luke 1:11, 19); Angel appearing to Mary about Jesus birth (Luke 1:28); Angel appearing to Joseph and asking him to take Mary as his wife (Matt 1:20); Angels appearing to the shepherds and proclaiming the good news of Savior’s birth (Luke 2:9); Angel appearing to Joseph and asking to leave for Egypt (Matt 2:13); Angel appearing to Joseph and asking to go to Israel (Matt 2:19);

Fear: In almost every angelic visitation the first message was fear not (or do not be afraid). We live in a world where people are gripped with fear- fear about the future, job, health, finances and the list goes on. But the holy bible says that God did not give us a spirit of fear ( 2 Tim 1:7). Why not this Christmas season, you be some body’s angel and ask them not be afraid. Encourage them that God holds their future in His hands. Rebuke the spirit of fear in Jesus’ name!

Impossible: When Mary wondered how can it be, since she was not married, the angel said something so profound, “ For with God nothing will be impossible.” Luke 1:37. Elizabeth who was barren was now in the sixth month! Every barren situation in your life will be made fruitful as you serve the Almighty God, for with him all things are possible. The word impossible does not exist in heaven’s dictionary! Why not encourage others, like the angel encouraged Mary and let them know that with God all things are possible.

Gift: The angels proclaimed the good news to the lowly shepherds. When we are invited to any birthday party, we do not go empty handed. We go with at least one gift. As you celebrate Jesus birthday, the best gift you can give him is sharing the good news with others. Let there be big rejoicing in heaven (Luke 15:7) as folks are drawn into the kingdom. Consider sharing the good news this season.

We all love angels to visit us and encourage us and tell us that our prayers have been heard (Luke 1:13). But it’s time we become one! Its time, we become encouragers, we become proclaimers of the good news.

Have a Christ-centered CHRISTmas. It’s all about Him!

Merry Christmas!

The Inn Keeper

And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:7

This is a much familiar story for us – there was no room in the inn and Jesus was born in a stable.

If only the Inn keeper had known, that the child to be born is the Son of God, he would have given the best suite in his inn or he could have even given his master bedroom for the savior. He took pity on a full term pregnant mom and gave them his barnyard, so she doesn’t have to be on the streets. He was ignorant of the fact that the child to be born is the Savior of the world.

But you and I, who hold God’s holy word in our hand, need not be ignorant like the inn keeper.

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Matt 25:40

What we do for the least of our brothers and sisters of His, we actually do it for Him. Oh! What a privilege.

Proverbs 19:17 He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, And He will pay back what he has given.

Just imagine – we humble human beings lend to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords when we give to the poor.

This Christmas season, don’t miss the chance to open your hands to the poor and needy.